We often talk about DIY service and repair of electromechanical cameras such as the Nikon F4, Canon T90, or Minolta (Maxxum/Alpha) 9000.
This could give the impression that DIY is the key to all problems, provided you are willing to put in the time and effort.
So why should I have my camera repaired professionally, wait a long time for it, and pay money for it?
Here is a list of some of the differences between DIY and professional repair:
Liability
With DIY, I am responsible for everything that happens to my SLR. If a repair goes wrong, I bear the damage myself.
A professional repairer is liable for their work.
Qualifications
DIY usually means acquiring all the necessary knowledge and skills for service and repair yourself. It is the domain of self-taught enthusiasts. In most cases, there will be no formal training in camera repair. Related fields such as mechanics, electronics, and optics may or may not be covered.
A professional repairer will have a curriculum vitae that includes many years of experience. Perhaps they are also factory trained and have acquired their qualifications directly from the manufacturer of the SLRs. In the US, they may also be a graduate of the renowned National Camera training program, which unfortunately no longer exists.
Experience
DIY often means that maybe one or two SLRs of the same model have been worked on. Whether the work took a few hours, days, or weeks is irrelevant.
A professional repairer is familiar with the SLRs they accept for service and repair. They may have already repaired hundreds of the same model and have the relevant experience. The time required is correspondingly less.
Spare parts
A well-stocked spare parts warehouse is perhaps rare in DIY, as the demand for it is low. Once one project is completed, another one comes along. It is not necessary to have a selection of required spare parts available at your fingertips every day.
A professional camera repairer who works on the same cameras every day will have maintained and organized their spare parts inventory accordingly. They cannot afford to go looking for spare parts, as this would delay their work or make it unpredictable.
Outfit
Repairing SLRs requires specialized tools and equipment. Not every DIY enthusiast will want to invest in a fully equipped workshop.
For the professional repairer, the appropriate equipment is a matter of course. It is the basis for their service.
So does a professional repairer do a better job than a DIY enthusiast?
Not necessarily, as it always depends on the person.
An enthusiast can work in a highly professional manner or on SLRs for which there is no repair service because they are not in high demand.
On the other hand, a professional often has many years of experience, knows their SLRs inside out, and could not run their business without high-quality work.
In my opinion, DIY and professional work complement each other.
And that's good news for SLRs that have long since ceased to be produced and supported by their manufacturers.
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A word of cautionPlease keep in mind that you’ll be using highly flammable solvents for service work, and their fumes are harmful to your health. Soldering also produces fumes that should not be inhaled. Dangerous high voltages can be present when handling electronics, especially in conjunction with electronic flash units and mains. Therefore, familiarize yourself with the safety regulations beforehand and ensure your safety. Depending on the activity, protective gear may be advisable.
All information provided without guarantee and use at your own risk.
Acknowledgments
Without the work of Master Larry Lyells, in particular, we wouldn’t have the detailed technical information we need today for service/repair of SLRs.
The SPT Journal and The Camera Craftsman, which he helped shape significantly as an author, and which contain all the necessary information and instructions are available for a fee through Learn Camera Repair.
We owe our access to them to Eugene Pate, the founder of Learn Camera Repair.
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